Brighton Pride revellers told safety is 'priority'

Police and political leaders have said that ensuring the safety of revellers at the UK's largest Pride festival in Brighton this weekend was the top priority.

Sussex Police said uniformed police, plain-clothed officers and specialist teams including armed officers would be deployed across Brighton for the event on Saturday and Sunday.

The event is being held after a stabbing attack at a Pride event in Berlin left one person dead and injured at least 29 others.

A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: "I want to reassure those attending, as well as residents, businesses and visitors across the city, that their safety remains our top priority.

"We will be working tirelessly this week and throughout the weekend, building on the extensive planning that has taken place over many months with event organisers, Brighton & Hove City Council and other partners, to keep everyone safe and ensure an effective policing operation is in place."

The Pride festival in Brighton & Hove attracts about 500,000 people.

Brighton & Hove City Council leader, Bella Sankey, said on social media: "We are deeply saddened by the attacks at Berlin Pride and our thoughts with all those affected...

"We want to reassure all those attending that we are working closely with Brighton and Hove Pride, Sussex Police and our other partners to keep everyone safe."

UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting suggested the Berlin attack showed why Pride was still necessary.

He said such events in the UK were already "always well policed" and struck the right balance between public safety and letting people celebrate.

Armed police are regularly deployed to the Brighton event.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook,X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.